The region surrounding Greater Cincinnati again gains national recognition as a favorite economic choice to grow business. I am honored to present the 2017 OKI Annual Report. 2017 saw dynamic growth spurred by the opening of the transformative I-71/MLK interchange, the groundbreaking of the trail at Riverfront Commons, and the mega-announcements of Amazon and Uber investing in our area. These successes demonstrate that the collaboration of our government partners produces huge results.

OKI, founded more than 50 years ago, began with the mission to comply with the requirements of the 1962 Federal-Aid Highway Act to qualify our region for federal funds toward interstate highway planning and construction. Through the years, as regional planning became a prerequisite for the federal funding of projects other than transportation, OKI has expanded its activities.

Today, OKI operates as a public, non-profit organization. It assists its 117 members who represent governmental, social and civic groups from nearly 200 communities in addressing transportation planning. It also conducts air and water quality planning; promotes and facilitates ridesharing; coordinates intergovernmental review of federally-funded projects; provides technical assistance to member governments; maintains social and economic data for planning purposes and coordinates with state and federal agencies. Inherent in all of its functions, OKI is a forum for local governments to share transportation, environmental, economic and other challenges for which causes and solutions spread across political boundaries.

This report highlights how OKI continues to fulfil its mission of providing safe, reliable modes of transportation on behalf of our region. OKI approves hundreds of millions of dollars in projects every year, and we invest approximately $35 million in projects annually. This year, OKI was sharply focused on innovation. One exceptional product of this commitment is the interactive Trees and Stormwater guide, a tool for decision makers nationwide. Yet another is the first-of-its-kind Cincinnati Mobility Lab, which promises to optimize our region’s transportation system.

First-rate leadership has long defined OKI. Mark R. Policinski, entering his 15th year as Chief Executive Officer, strengthens this tradition. Mark has fostered a culture of collaboration, within which the diverse OKI board reaches consensus to get important projects in the ground faster. Also under Mark’s leadership, OKI’s annual luncheon has nearly doubled in size, making it a highly-anticipated networking event attended by the most influential leaders in our region.

OKI continues to engage, enhance, improve and lead the way as it serves two million residents in eight counties across three states. Together, we will continue to lead and execute important and challenging infrastructure and transportation projects.

I am thankful for your support, and I look forward to ongoing collaboration with the OKI board and staff to provide the leadership and guidance needed to continue our region’s momentum.